Malarkey vs. Atlas: Which Roofing Shingle Is Right for Your Home in Illinois?

Choosing the right roofing shingle for your home can seem like a big decision. After all, your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, and with so many brands on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be overwhelming.

At Happy Roofing, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "What's the difference between Malarkey and Atlas shingles?" Both are readily available and used by contractors across the U.S., but they can serve different needs, and their value depends on your goals.

We're here to break it all down for you. Whether you're comparing options because a contractor recommended Atlas, or you've heard good things about Malarkey and want to know how it stacks up, this article will help you make an informed, confident decision when comparing Malarkey and Atlas shingles.

To be transparent, we do install Malarkey shingles, but we recognize that they're not the best fit for every homeowner. This article is about giving you the full picture, including where each brand shines and where it might fall short.

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Malarkey and Atlas
• What Categories We're Comparing Both Manufacturers On
• How Malarkey and Atlas Compare Based on Performance
• How Malarkey and Atlas Compare Based on Styling Options
• How Malarkey and Atlas Compare Based on Cost
• Choosing the Right Shingle Manufacturer for You

Who Are Malarkey and Atlas?

Malarkey and Atlas are both roofing manufacturers that produce asphalt shingles commonly used in residential roofing across North America. Before diving into the details, let's start with a quick look at each brand.

An Overview of Malarkey Roofing Products

Malarkey Roofing Products may not have the same national presence as some of the larger roofing brands, but it's quickly earning recognition for its high-performance, eco-friendly shingle technology. For homeowners who care about sustainability and long-term roof performance, Malarkey stands out as a smart, forward-thinking choice.

Malarkey shingles are made with recycled rubber and plastics, which makes them more flexible and durable (a major benefit in regions with extreme weather). Even their entry-level shingles come with a Class 3 Impact Rating, and their smog-reducing granules actively help clean the air.

An Overview of Atlas

Atlas is a national roofing brand recognized for its wide range of products and strong focus on algae resistance. Their shingles feature Scotchgard Protector technology to prevent black streaks, and their popular Pinnacle Pristine line is widely used by contractors for its balance of cost, style, and protection.

Atlas shingles are designed for curb appeal and performance, with tiered options to match different budgets. For homeowners who value variety, Atlas offers a range of shingles for many tastes.

What Categories We're Comparing Malarkey and Atlas On, and Why They Matter

When it comes to choosing a roofing brand, saying one is "better" doesn't tell you much. What really matters is: which is better for you? That's why we broke this comparison down into key categories that directly impact how your roof performs, looks, and holds up over time.

You'll be able to decide which is better for you and your goals based on where your priorities lie. So, what did we evaluate? Why do these factors matter? And how do they affect your home once the shingles are actually installed?

Here are the comparison points we focused on:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: This covers how well each brand's shingles stand up to wind, hail, temperature swings, and everyday wear and tear. In the greater Naperville area, we don't get bombarded with extreme storms often, but we do face large temperature swings, high winds, and the occasional hailstorm, so that extra durability can help increase longevity. We looked at impact ratings, wind resistance, and the quality of materials used.

• Curb Appeal and Design Variety: Your roof plays a major role in how your home looks from the street. Whether you're going for a subtle upgrade or a dramatic design statement, the range of colors and styles available can make a big difference. We considered both brands' design options and availability.

• Cost and Overall Value: Cost always plays a role in home improvement decisions, but it's not just about the price tag. We compared the pricing of each brand's shingle lines and what you actually get for that investment.

How Do Malarkey and Atlas Compare Based on Performance?

Malarkey emphasizes consistency, offering premium features across all product tiers, but offers fewer options on styling and shingle type overall. Atlas reserves some of its higher-performance features for select product lines but offers a broader range of options at different budget levels.

We'll take a closer look at the performance of both options below:

Malarkey Shingle Durability

• Impact Resistance: All Malarkey shingle options have at least a Class 3 Impact Rating, making them well-suited for the occasional hailstorm in Northern Illinois. The Vista and Legacy lines carry a Class 4 rating, the highest available for asphalt shingles.

• Wind Ratings: Malarkey architectural shingles carry a standard wind warranty up to 110 mph, with enhanced coverage up to 130 mph. This is supported by their reinforced nailing zone (The Zone) and durable sealant strips.

• Rubberized Asphalt (SBS): Malarkey uses NEX rubberized asphalt (SBS-modified) across all product lines to enhance flexibility in hot and cold weather and reduce cracking and granule loss over time. The rubberized asphalt construction also adds to their impact resistance.

• Granule and Algae Resistance: All lines include 3M smog-reducing granules and copper-infused granules for algae resistance, helping roofs stay cleaner and more consistent in appearance.

Atlas Shingle Durability

• Impact Resistance: Pinnacle Pristine does not include impact resistance by default, but Atlas offers Class 4 shingles in their StormMaster Shake and Slate product lines.

• Wind Ratings: Pinnacle Pristine shingles can achieve wind warranties up to 130 mph with proper installation. These shingles feature Atlas's Sweet Spot nailing zone for improved fastener strength.

• Asphalt Composition: Atlas reserves its SBS-modified asphalt for the StormMaster lines. Other shingles use traditional asphalt, which may be less flexible in extreme conditions, but come at a more budget-friendly price point.

• Algae Resistance: Atlas shingles are well-known for using Scotchgard Protector in many lines, which provides strong protection against black streaks caused by algae growth over time.

Which Performs Better in Northern Illinois?

In Northern Illinois, where hail, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles are common, Malarkey provides stronger protection across all product lines. Atlas can compete with its StormMaster series, but those benefits are not standard across the board.

For homeowners who want built-in durability without having to upgrade to a top-tier shingle, Malarkey is the more consistent performer. Atlas may be the better fit for those focused on algae resistance and visual impact.

How Do Malarkey and Atlas's Style Options Compare?

Atlas offers more variety in shingle design and bolder color options across a slightly wider product tier range, while Malarkey offers a more focused product line with a curated set of natural, timeless colors.

Malarkey's Shingle Options

Malarkey offers four architectural and designer shingle lines, each built with performance and visual appeal in mind:

• Highlander is Malarkey's entry-level architectural shingle. It provides a dimensional look that mimics wood shakes and comes standard with a Class 3 impact rating. It's ideal for homeowners who want better curb appeal and storm protection than a 3-tab shingle without stepping into a premium price tier.

• Vista builds on Highlander with a thicker profile (approximately 10% more material), enhanced granule blends for deeper color, and a Class 4 impact rating, the highest available. It's a smart middle-ground option for those who want premium protection and styling at a more accessible cost.

• Legacy is Malarkey's flagship architectural product, offering 19% more thickness than Highlander and bold shadow lines that give the roof added dimension. It also includes the highest impact rating and extended warranty coverage offered by Malarkey, making it a top choice for homeowners in severe weather regions.

• Windsor is Malarkey's designer-tier shingle, crafted to emulate the rugged charm of hand-cut wood shakes. With a heavier profile and upscale appearance, Windsor is well-suited for custom or traditionally styled homes that demand a luxury finish.

While Malarkey's style range is narrower than some competitors, its selections are intentionally designed to offer timeless curb appeal and strong performance for a wide variety of home styles.

Atlas's Shingle Options

Atlas offers a broader portfolio of shingles that spans from basic three-tab products to high-performance architectural lines:

• GlassMaster is Atlas's traditional 3-tab shingle, offering a flat, uniform look. While it's the most budget-friendly option, it lacks dimensional layering and higher-end weather resistance, making it suitable primarily for low-cost roofing needs or outbuildings.

• Pinnacle Pristine is Atlas's most popular architectural shingle. It combines layered aesthetics with a wide color selection and includes Scotchgard Protector to guard against algae streaking. Its crisp lines and vibrant hues make it a favorite for homeowners wanting noticeable curb appeal without jumping to a luxury price.

• StormMaster Shake and StormMaster Slate are Atlas's premium offerings. These shingles use SBS-modified asphalt for improved flexibility and impact resistance, earning Class 4 ratings. StormMaster Shake emulates hand-split wood shakes, while StormMaster Slate replicates the refined texture of stone. Both provide upscale looks with built-in protection for severe weather environments.

Atlas's design range caters to homeowners who want variety, bolder aesthetics, and algae protection options across multiple price tiers.

Which Brand's Style Is the Right Fit for Your Home?

If you're looking for more variety in color and bolder design flexibility, Atlas offers more options across more budget tiers. Malarkey's design range is more focused, with fewer colors and a stronger emphasis on long-term performance and subtle curb appeal.

How Do Malarkey and Atlas Compare on Cost and Value?

Malarkey shingles typically land in the mid-to-premium range. While the initial cost may be slightly higher than other entry-level options, that price includes performance features like SBS asphalt, Class 3 or 4 impact ratings, and smog-reducing granules, all built in.

Atlas offers a wider range of pricing across product lines, but doesn't include the same features across all of its options. Homeowners looking for affordability without sacrificing basic durability or design flexibility often find strong value in Pinnacle Pristine. Atlas's premium StormMaster products can rival or exceed the cost of Malarkey shingles but come with comparable performance upgrades.

Which Offers Better Value in the Long Run?

The value strongly depends on your goals. If you want consistent, built-in protection and a narrowed list of quality options, Malarkey may offer better value. If wider pricing options and more style flexibility are the main concern, Atlas may work better for you.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Brand for You

If your focus is on built-in durability, environmental benefits, and consistent impact protection across every product tier, Malarkey may be the better choice. It's especially appealing for long-term homeowners who value durability-first construction, holding up well to the temperature swings and occasional strong storms in Northern Illinois.

If your priorities are more about style variety and wider pricing options, Atlas offers more flexibility with strong mid-range and premium-tier options that could work well for a variety of budgets and goals.

If you're still wondering if Malarkey is worth the investment, check out our next article: Is a Malarkey Roofing System Worth the Higher Price? Honest Pros, Cons & Cost Breakdown.

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